Council’s executive committee yesterday narrowly endorsed a plan to leave the Kiwanis Club in charge of Casa Loma for another 20 years — despite an advisory panel’s recommendation that the historic castle’s operations be overseen by a public trust and be put out for competitive tender.

“Casa Loma has deteriorated into largely a third-class banquet hall,” Councillor Howard Moscoe complained. “The Kiwanis proposal might make it a first-class banquet hall, but it lacks the excitement that needs to be injected into what has become a very sad situation.”

The Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma has operated the interior of the Edwardian castle near Spadina Road and Dupont Street since 1937; the city, which owns the building, is responsible for its exterior.

Under a long-standing deal that expires on Dec. 31, 2008, Kiwanis pays a portion of the castle’s operating revenue to the city, which holds the

Radical changes are needed to restore Casa Loma’s status as a premiere tourist attraction and historic building in Toronto, according to an advisory panel.

BY NATIONAL POST JUNE 1, 2006

Radical changes are needed to restore Casa Loma’s status as a premiere tourist attraction and historic building in Toronto, according to an advisory panel.

A report from the Casa Loma Advisory Committee released yesterday suggests the 92-year-old castle is beset with problems, ranging from a faulty governance model to inadequate signage to a lacklustre gift shop. The committee wants to create a public trust dedicated to restoring Casa Loma’s lost lustre.

“There is a sense the castle has been ignored, both on its inside and outside, and would benefit from a group focusing on it,” said Ron Kanter, the committee’s chairman.

Built between 1911 and 1914 by Henry Pellatt, the 98-room mansion features 22 fireplaces, three bowling alleys and a shooting gallery. Designed by E.J. Lennox, the architect who designed